UMBRELLA SYSTEM

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to an umbrella system, and more particularly to an umbrella system capable of providing a private space for a user in a public area, such as a beach.

BACKGROUND

During summertime, public beaches are a very popular attraction and often draw thousands of beach goers every day. Beach goers typically stay on a beach for an entire day and play a variety of activities. There is a high demand of change rooms for people to change clothes, take a shower, have medical cares, change diapers, or carry out other personal activities. As permanent change rooms on public beaches have very limited capacity, it is common to see a long line of people waiting outside change rooms on a public beach.

Although more permanent public rooms can be constructed, there are several drawbacks to install permanent change rooms. For example, the construction of a permanent change room comes with a high cost. A permanent change room is stationary and can be located far away from the beach. The usage rate of the change rooms outside the summertime is also very low. The permanent change rooms are often public and not clean. Thus, there is a long-felt but unmet need to provide an instant and portable change rooms in public areas.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present application disclose an umbrella system capable of providing a private space to a user. The umbrella system includes an umbrella structure and an opaque cover. The umbrella structure is configured to provide regular functions of a beach umbrella and may be used as an individual beach umbrella. When the user would like to have a private space, the opaque cover may be attached to the umbrella structure to form an enclosed space under the umbrella structure. As the cover is opaque, people outside of the enclosed space cannot see into the enclosed space, which provides the user a private space for carrying out personal activities. The attachment mechanism between the opaque cover and the umbrella structure is configured to be detachable, allowing the umbrella system to have an instant conversion between a regular umbrella and a private change room.

According to an aspect of the present application, an umbrella system includes an umbrella structure having a canopy structure attached to a pole, the canopy structure having a canopy and a plurality of ribs. The umbrella system further includes a side cover being opaque and configured to be detachably attached to the umbrella structure, the side cover having a substantially rectangular shape with a first longitudinal side, a first traverse side, a second longitudinal side, and a second traverse side. A plurality of first side retainers are disposed along the first longitudinal side and configured to be detachably attached to a plurality of canopy retainers disposed on the canopy structure.

According to certain embodiments, the plurality of canopy retainers include at least one selected from Velcro strips, buttons, latches, hooks, grommets, clips, strings, and magnets. The canopy includes a plurality of flaps draping downwardly from a perimeter of the canopy, and each flap has at least one canopy retainer disposed on an inner side of that flap. At least one canopy retainer overlaps with a rib of the plurality of ribs. At least one canopy retainer is disposed between two adjacent ribs. The plurality of the canopy retainers may form a zigzag pattern.

According to certain embodiments, the plurality of first side retainers include at least one selected from Velcro strips, buttons, latches, hooks, grommets, clips, strings, and magnets. The side cover includes two opposite flat surfaces: a first flat surface and a second flat surface opposite to the first surface. The first flat surface may be made of a sand-free material. The second flat surface may be made of a material different from that of the first surface, for example a fabric material.

According to certain embodiments, the plurality of the first cover retainers may be disposed on the first flat surface such that the first flat surface faces outside when the side cover is attached to the canopy. The side cover includes a second side retainer disposed along the first traverse side and a plurality of third side retainers disposed along the second longitudinal side.

According to certain embodiments, the umbrella system includes a plurality of ground retainers configured to engage with the plurality of the third cover retainers and attach the second longitudinal side to a ground. The umbrella structure has a folded configuration and a deployed configuration, and the first traverse side has a length that approximates a height between the canopy and a ground when the umbrella structure is in the deployed configuration. The side cover includes a fourth side retainer disposed along the second traverse side, the fourth side retainer being configured to engage with the second cover retainer and being disposed at a surface opposite to that of the second side retainer. The umbrella system further includes a side entrance configured to allow a user to enter or leave a space under the canopy, the side entrance being formed by the first traverse side and the second traverse side of the side cover. The canopy structure is detachably attached to the pole. An end of the pole is configured to engage with the canopy structure, and another end of the pole comprises an auger.

According to another aspect of the present application, a method of providing a private space includes providing an umbrella structure having a canopy structure attached to a pole, the canopy structure comprising a canopy and a plurality of ribs; providing a side cover being opaque and configured to be detachably attached to the umbrella structure, the side cover with a substantially rectangular shape having a first longitudinal side, a first traverse side, a second longitudinal side, and a second traverse side. A plurality of first side retainers are disposed along the first longitudinal side and configured to be detachably attached to a plurality of canopy retainers disposed on the canopy structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments. The accompanying drawings relate to embodiments of the invention and are described in the following:

FIG. 1 shows an umbrella system 100 in a folded configuration, according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 2A shows the side cover 104 in a deployed configuration, according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 2B shows the side cover 104 in a deployed configuration, according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 2C shows the umbrella structure 102 in a deployed configuration, according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 3A shows a change room formed by the umbrella system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 3B shows various attachment locations between the side cover 104 and the canopy 230, according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 4 shows a method of providing a private space, according to an embodiment of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the figures. Within the following description of the drawings, the same reference numbers refer to same components. Generally, only the differences with respect to individual embodiments are described. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention and is not meant as a limitation of the invention. Further, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunction with other embodiments to yield yet a further embodiment. It is intended that the description includes such modifications and variations.

The umbrella system as set forth in the present application is capable of being converted from a regular umbrella to a private change room. The conversion can be completed swiftly, such as in a few minutes. A side cover is provided to the umbrella system for enclosing a space under the umbrella system to form a private space. The side cover is opaque and is configured to be attached to an umbrella structure of the umbrella structure. An entrance to an enclosed private space may be formed along the traverse sides of the side cover.

When the private space is not desired, the side cover may be detached from the umbrella structure. The side cover may also be used as a comfort layer between the user and the ground. According to some embodiments, the side cover may include a first flat surface for contacting the ground and a second flat surface for contacting the body of a user. The first flat surface may be made of a performance material that does not track dirt, such as sand, soil, or any other small objects. The performance material may be stain resistant, humidity resistant, water resistant, or dirt repelling, such as a plastic material or any other suitable material. The second flat surface may be made of a soft material, such as a fabric.

The umbrella system of the present application is portable. The umbrella system has a folded configuration, in which the side cover and the umbrella structure are not attached to each other. The side cover and the umbrella structure can be separated retracted to a folded configuration, which has a small form factor and can be stored in a bag. In the deployed configuration, both the side cover and the umbrella structure can be unfolded and attached to each other very quickly. The umbrella system can provide an instant change room at almost anywhere in a public space, such as a beach, a park, a plaza, or a street fair. The umbrella system satisfies the long-felt but unmet need to have an immediate private space in a public area.

FIG. 1 illustrates an umbrella system 100 in a folded configuration, according to an embodiment of the present application. In the folded configuration, the umbrella system 100 includes an umbrella structure 102 and a side cover 104, which are separated from each other and not attached. In an embodiment, both the umbrella structure 102 and the side cover 104 can be fit into a single carrying bag (not shown).

The umbrella structure 102 is configured to form a canopy, when deployed, thus providing a shaded space under the umbrella structure. The umbrella structure 102 may be a beach umbrella, a street umbrella, a sun umbrella, or any other suitable structures. The umbrella structure 102 may include a plurality of detachable components. For example, the umbrella structure 102 may include a canopy structure 106 coupled with a pole 108. The canopy structure 106 may have various shapes, such as round, square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other suitable shapes. When deployed, a canopy of the canopy structure 106 is expanded to provide a shade for a space thereunder. The canopy may be sunproof or rainproof and may be made of plastic, textile fabric, or any other suitable materials. The plastic material may include Nylon, polyester, pongee, PVE, POE, EVA, or any other suitable materials. The canopy may be coated with materials for blocking or absorbing UV light or repelling water, such as silicone, Teflon, or any other suitable materials.

The pole 108 is configured to support the canopy structure 106. The pole 108 may be inserted to a ground, such as sand and soil, or may be coupled to a base (not shown). In an embodiment, the pole 108 may be telescoping, thus allowing the height of the canopy structure 106 to be adjustable. Materials for the pole 108 may include aluminum, stainless steel, fiberglass, wood, or any other suitable materials. In an embodiment, one end 236 (shown in FIG. 2C) of the pole 108 is coupled with the canopy structure 106, and another end of the pole 108 has an auger structure 234 (shown in FIG. 2C) configured to facilitate the insertion of the pole 108 into a ground.

The side cover 104 is generally opaque and is configured to cover the sides of the umbrella system 100 when attached to the canopy structure 102. In an embodiment, the side cover 104 may also be used as a comfort layer on the ground. The side cover 104 may utilize different materials for each surface. For example, the surface of the side cover that may contact a user may be constructed by a soft material, such as a textile fabric. The surface of the side cover 106 that may contact the ground may be constructed by a performance material configured to stay clean from dirt, water, stains, or other undesired substance. The performance material may repel water or dirt. The performance material may also be stain resistant. Examples of the performance material may include plastic and any other suitable materials. The side cover 104 is preferably to be light weight. To make the side cover 104 portable, a plurality of straps 110 may be used to wrap around the side cover 104 in the folded configuration. The plurality of straps 110 include a plurality of buckles 114 for fastening the straps 100. A shoulder strap 112 is attached to the buckles 114 for a user to carry the side cover 104.

FIG. 2A illustrates various components disposed on a first flat surface 210 of the side cover 104 in a deployed configuration. FIG. 2B illustrates various components disposed on a second flat surface 220 of the side cover 104 in a deployed configuration. The second flat surface is opposite to the first surface. FIG. 2C illustrates the umbrella structure 102 in a deployed configuration.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the side cover 104 has a generally rectangular shape with four sides 202, 204, 206, and 208. The sides 202 and 206, which will be referred to as the longitudinal side in this application, are longer than the sides 204 and 208, which will be referred to as the traverse side in this application. In an embodiment, the longitudinal side 202 is configured to be coupled with the perimeter of the canopy structure 106. The traverse sides 204 and 208 are configured to form an entrance to a private space under the canopy structure 106. The side cover 104 has a first flat surface 210 and a second flat surface 220 (shown in FIG. 2B) which is opposite to the first flat surface 210. In an embodiment, the side cover 104 may be used as a comfort layer laid between a user and a ground 236 (shown in FIG. 2C). One of the flat surfaces 210 and 220 may contact the ground 236.

To couple the side cover 104 with the umbrella structure 102, a plurality of retainers (side cover retainers) 212 and 214 are disposed along the longitudinal side 202. The plurality of retainers 212 and 214 substantially cover the entire length of the longitudinal side 202 and are disposed on a single surface of the side cover 102, such as the flat surface 210. The plurality of retainers 212 and 214 may include Velcro strips, buttons, latches, hooks, grommets, clips, strings, magnets, or any other suitable retainers. The plurality of retainers 212 and 214 may be disposed in any suitable patterns, such as in a linear array, in a matrix form, or in a zigzag pattern. In an embodiment, the plurality of retainers 212 and 214 are disposed in two rows. The first row of retainers 212 stagger with the second row of retainers 214, thus forming a zigzag pattern. The first row of retainers 212 and the second row of retainers 214 are positioned to pair with retainers 218 and 226 (shown in FIG. 2C) disposed on the canopy structure 106.

The side cover 104 may also include a plurality of retainers 218 disposed along a traverse 208 and a plurality of retainers 222 disposed along another traverse side 204 (shown in FIG. 2B). The plurality of retainers 218 and the plurality of retainers 222 are configured to allow the two traverse side 204 and 208 to be attached to each other, thus forming an entrance to the space under the umbrella structure 102. In an embodiment, the plurality of retainers 218 and the plurality of retainers 222 are disposed on different flat surfaces of the side cover 104, respectively. For example, the plurality of the retainers 218 are disposed on the flat surface 210, while the plurality of the retainers 22 are disposed on the flat surface 220. Disposing the retainers 218 and 222 onto opposite flat surfaces of the side cover 104 allows the two traverse sides 204 and 208 to have an overlap when attached to each other. The overlap can better shield the private space under the umbrella structure from outside. The plurality of retainers 218 and 222 may be constructed similarly as the retainers 212 and 214.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the longitudinal side 206 may be retained to a ground 236 (shown FIG. 2C) by a plurality of ground anchors 224. In an embodiment, a plurality of grommets 216 are formed along the longitudinal side 206 to couple with the ground anchors 224. The number of grommets 216 may be less than the total number of the retainers 212 and 214. In an embodiment, the grommets 216 are positioned at locations corresponding to the first row of retainers 212. The ground anchors 224 may include stakes, spikes, or any other suitable anchors.

FIG. 2B shows the flat surface 220 and the disposed retainers 222, according to an embodiment of the present application. The flat surface as used in the present application may be understood as a general flat appearance of the side cover 104 in the deployed configuration. The flat surface as used in the present application allows the side cover to be folded. The flat surface also allows the flat surface to have crease, seams, pockets, holes, and other minor structures. In an embodiment, the retainers 222 are disposed at the middle part of the traverse side 204. In an embodiment, the retainers 222 are disposed at the corner areas of the side cover 104. In an embodiment, the number of retainers 222 is substantially less than the number of retainers 212 and 214.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the umbrella structure 102 includes a canopy structure 106 coupled with a support structure 108, such as a pole. The canopy structure 106 includes a canopy 230 attached to a plurality of ribs 232. The canopy 230 includes a plurality of flaps 234 disposed along the perimeter of the canopy structure 106. In an embodiment, at least one flap is disposed between two adjacent ribs 232. A plurality of retainers 226 and 228 are disposed at various locations onto the inner side of the canopy 230 for coupling with the retainers 212 and 214 of the side cover 104. In an embodiment, the plurality of retainers 228 are disposed at positions that overlap with the plurality of ribs 232, such as areas adjacent to an end of a rib. The plurality of retainers 228 are configured to couple with the first row of retainers 212 of the side cover 104. With this arrangement, the ribs 232 can provide direct support to the side cover 104. The plurality of retainers 226 are disposed on the flaps and are configured to couple with the second row of retainers 214. The retainers 226 and 228 may be constructed similarly with the retainers 212 and 214.

The pole 108 has a first end 236 configured to couple with a post 238 of the canopy structure 106. The pole 108 also has a second end 234 which may be configured as an auger structure. The end 234 may be inserted into the ground 236 or a base (not shown). In an embodiment, the pole 108 may be telescoping such that the height of the umbrella structure 102 may be adjusted.

To completely shield the space under the umbrella structure 102, the length of the traverse side 204 and 208 are configured to approximate the height H of the umbrella structure 102. When the umbrella structure 102 has an adjustable height, the length of the traverse side 204 and 208 is configured to approximate the maximum height of the umbrella structure 106.

FIG. 3A illustrates a change room formed by the umbrella system 100, according to an embodiment of the present application. The side cover 104 is attached to the canopy structure 106 along the perimeter 302 thereof. The attachment locations include the flap area and the rib area. The side cover 106 has a height that approximates the height of the umbrella system 100, thus capable of substantially shielding the space under the canopy structure 106. As shown in FIG. 3A is also an entrance 304 formed by the coupled traverse sides 204 and 208. The entrance 304 can be easily opened and closed by a user. The entrance 304 also has a height approximating the height of the umbrella system 100.

FIG. 3B illustrates attachment locations of the canopy structure 106, according to an embodiment. The plurality of retainers 226 are disposed on the flaps 224, while the plurality of retainers 238 are disposed on the canopy 230 at end areas 312 adjacent to the end 310 of the ribs 232. In an embodiment, the ribs 232 are disposed between the canopy 230 and the retainers 228. In another embodiment, the retainers 228 are disposed between the ribs 232 and the canopy 230. In an embodiment, the length of the retainers 228 is configured to be longer than the length of the retainers 226. In this manner, the retainers 228 may function as the primary support to the side cover 104 while the retainers 226 may function as the secondary support to the side cover 104.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 to form a private space in a public area, according to an embodiment of the present application. At step 402, an umbrella structure is provided by a manufacturer, a reseller, or a user. The umbrella structure includes a canopy structure attached to a pole. The canopy structure includes a canopy and a plurality of ribs. At step 404, a side cover is provided by a manufacturer, a reseller, or a user. The side cover is opaque and configured to be detachably attached to the umbrella structure. The side cover includes a substantially rectangular shape having a first longitudinal side, a first traverse side, a second longitudinal side, and a second traverse side. A plurality of first side retainers are disposed along the first longitudinal side and configured to be detachably attached to a plurality of canopy retainers disposed on the canopy structure. At step 406, the retainers of the side cover are coupled to the retainers of the umbrella structure. As a result, the side cover substantially encloses the space under the canopy structure, thus forming a private space for a user to carry out personal activities.

In an embodiment, the umbrella system is suitable to be used on a public beach. The canopy structure, when deployed, has a diameter of at least 2 m, 3 m, or even larger diameter. The retainers include Velcro strips, whose length is at least 2 inches, 3 inches, or even longer. The Velcro strips are sewed onto the inner side of the flaps and the canopy of the canopy structure. The canopy structure has eight (8) ribs. The Velcro strips are also sewed onto the canopy where the ends of the ribs are. In addition, Velcro strips are sewed onto the flat surface of the side cover. In an embodiment, the retainers include metal or plastic hooks.

The foregoing Detailed Description is to be understood as being in every respect illustrative and exemplary, but not restrictive, and the scope of the inventive concept disclosed herein is not to be determined from the Detailed Description, but rather from the claims as interpreted according to the full breadth permitted by the patent laws. It is to be understood that the embodiments shown and described herein are only illustrative of the principles of the inventive concept and that various modifications may be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventive concept. Those skilled in the art could implement various other feature combinations without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventive concept.